The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is gearing up for Summer at the Arboretum with tons of outdoor adventures. Check out Family Fun Fridays every Friday until July 28 for live music, face painting and a petting zoo. And stay late for Garden Gigs July 14, 21 and 28 for late-night access to the gardens with music and food trucks to enjoy throughout the night.

3. Celebrate Independence Day

For all-day fun on the Fourth, make plans to attend the Fair Park Fourth to hear live music, get on some rides at Midway and stay for the fireworks. Bring the family out to Red, White & Boom on the Bridge on July 3 for food, music and a fireworks show set over the Dallas skyline. Or see the Texas Rangers or FC Dallas play on July 4 and stay for post-game fireworks shows after the game.

4. Experience Something New at the DMA

Head to the Dallas Museum of Art Off the Wall, a series of exhibitions that take a unique approach to the museum's collection by adding a pop culture twist. It's on the second Thursday of each month, so make plans to visit July 13 for the next one. Once Upon a Time in Mexico will feature a tour of the museum's Mexican art collection and an evening of Latin music and dancing.

5. Red, White and Blue Times Deux

Celebrate the French National Holiday with an outing to Bastille on Bishop, the annual soiree in the Bishop Arts District dedicated to all things French. The event is free, but a $25 ticket gets you tokens for tastings and cocktails along with a souvenir wine glass.

6. Sing Along at a Summer Musical

Stay entertained this summer with a musical of your choice. See Hood: The Robin Hood Musical Adventure (June 29-August 6) and Finding Neverland (July 11-23) at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Or go for The Bodyguard at Music Hall at Fair Park (July 18-30.)

7. Catch a Game

See the BIG3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league with some of the biggest names in the NBA (Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin are just a few of the league's players.) The season lasts 10 weeks, making stops in 10 different cities, and Dallas is one of the lucky ones. The BIG3 teams roll through Dallas on July 30.

8. Watch a Movie in the Park

Summer time means a later bed time so there's plenty of time for a mid-week movie night! Head to Main Street Garden for Movies in the Park on Thursday, July 6 for the screening of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The screening starts at sundown and there's plenty of room so bring blankets and chairs to spread out and enjoy the show. If you don't have time to make a grocery run before, there will be food and drinks available for purchase.

9. See Shakespeare in the Park

Experience William Shakespeare's plays brought to life at Shakespeare in the Park. The summer season incudes multiple performances of Quixote, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Othello throughout the month of July, so pick your favorite or see them all. The outdoor show is held at Samuel Grand Park near Fair Park, with curtains opening at 8:15 pm.

10. Get Fantasy Football Tips

Enjoy the ultimate football-fan experience at the National Fantasy Football Convention in Fair Park. Founding Partner and local legend Tony Romo will host the three-day event and come ready to take plenty of selfies: several top NFL players are expected to attend. Football takes over Fair Park starting July 14.

11. Stay Late at the Nasher

Plan for a late-night outing with the kids at the Nasher Sculpture Center for 'Til Midnight at the Nasher on July 21. This free event includes a scavenger hunt, access to special exhibits and a concert and screening of the movie Sing Street.

12. Build a Massive LEGO Structure

Help build a larger-than-life LEGO mosaic inspired by the Ninjago toy line and TV show. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth is hitting the road this summer and asking Lego lovers to help build a giant mosaic made completely out of LEGO's. Join in on the fun July 13 and 21 at Klyde Warren Park.

13. Honor Frida Kahlo

Become a Guinness World Record holder by attending Frida Fest on July 6. The Dallas Museum of Art is set on pulling off the largest gathering of people dressed as the Mexican painter in one location. Come dressed and ready for an evening of special events as the museum closes out their groundbreaking exhibit Mexico 1900-1950 featuring several of Kahlo's works of art.

Ashley Turner

Content Resource Specialist

Ashley loves all things Dallas Cowboys and Tex-Mex – after all she was born and raised in Dallas so it's only right those two things are top priority. When she's not watching sports, she enjoys traveling with her family and looking for the best happy hour in town.